CBB teams kick off NESCAC seasons Black Bears face high-powered Hofstra

In the aftermath of last week’s terrorist attacks, only one game was played Saturday involving a Maine college football team.

Today, with Colby, Bates, and Bowdoin opening their respective New England Small College Athletic Conference seasons, there is a full schedule of five contests.

The University of Maine hits the road, while Colby, Maine Maritime Academy, Bates, and Bowdoin play at home.

Maine (1-0) at Hofstra (1-1), 6 p.m., Hofstra Stadium, Hempstead, N.Y.

The Black Bears need no additional motivation in this one. The Pride rolled up 705 yards of offense in last season’s 51-30 victory at Orono.

Hofstra spreads the field and throws often. UMaine must contend with elusive QB Rocky Butler, who leads the Atlantic 10 while averaging 361 yards passing with a .659 completion percentage (49-for-75, 6 touchdowns).

His favorite targets are Kahmal Roy (17 receptions, 326 yards, 5 TDs), Charlie Adams (12 rec., 175 yds., 1 TD) and Tom Kemper (10 rec., 91 yds.).

UMaine junior defensive back Dave Cusano, who suffered a concussion in the Sept. 8 opener against Colgate, is expected to be in the lineup. UMaine’s secondary and linebackers will have their hands full trying to cover receivers and contain Butler.

Jake Eaton will lead the Bears’ offense, which is still hoping to control the ball on the ground and complement it with the pass. Tailbacks Royston English and Marcus Williams ran solidly in the opener, while wideout Stefan Gomes and tight end Chad Hayes of Old Town head the receiver corps.

Hofstra’s defense is led by linebacker Todd DeLamielleure (12.5 tackles per game), ‘backer Tyree Johnson (10 tpg), and cornerback Jayar Santos (7 tpg).

UMass-Dartmouth (1-1) at Maine Maritime (0-2), 1 p.m., Ritchie Field, Castine

The Mariners hope a return home can help them get into the win column.

MMA has been outscored 83-31 and ranks 12th in the New England Football Conference in total defense (378.5 ypg), surrendering 300 yards per game on the ground. The Mariners are coming off a 28-7 setback at Mass. Maritime.

The Corsairs, who dropped a 34-20 decision to Plymouth State last week, are plus-7 in turnover margin, having forced a league-high nine fumbles.

MMA is led by QB Pat Bard (18-for-35, 324 yds.), fullback Don Thibodeau (82.5 ypg), and end Curtis Brown (8 rec., 114 yds.).

Williams (0-0) at Colby (0-0), 1:30 p.m., Seaverns Field, Waterville

The White Mules hope to pick up where they left off last season, winning four straight games on their way to a share of the NESCAC championship.

Colby features plenty of experience on both sides of the ball, including an explosive offense led by QB Pat Conley and WR/TB Danny Noyes.

Williams, a perennial conference power, has numerous key people to replace this season, including its quarterback.

Saturday’s other games: 0-0 Middlebury at 0-0 Bowdoin, 1:30 p.m.; 0-0 Trinity at 0-0 Bates, 1 p.m.